Time We Discuss: The Incredible Story of Glenda Benevides, Grammy Nominee
Watch/Listen to this Episode The Incredible Story of Glenda Benevides, Grammy Nominee
In this episode of Time We Discuss, Grammy-nominated musician Glenda Benevides shares her journey, challenges, and insights into the music industry. Glenda begins by describing how she discovered her passion for music at a young age. Without formal training, she learned through experience, beginning with her participation in choirs and eventually joining a band at 16. A pivotal moment in her early career occurred when she saw a band performing at a bar and boldly sang loudly enough for the band to notice her. Despite initial nervousness, she auditioned and was accepted into the group. Early on, she struggled with timing and counting beats during performances, but thanks to supportive bandmates, she learned how to improve her skills. This formative experience taught her resilience and the importance of mentorship.
Glenda's career took off as she moved from band to band, eventually touring across the U.S. and internationally in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. She emphasizes that her journey has been about perseverance, continuously putting one foot in front of the other and stepping into her own courage. Her approach to personal and professional growth is rooted in self-awareness and the willingness to face challenges head-on.
She shares anecdotes about difficult moments on stage, including one where she faced inappropriate comments as a young performer and another where she had to confront audience members who disrespected her workspace. These moments taught her how to maintain professionalism and confidence, even in uncomfortable situations.
The conversation shifts to the relevance of location for aspiring musicians. Glenda believes that while living in a large city can provide more opportunities, what matters most is gaining experience, regardless of where one starts. Whether performing in small coffee shops or large venues, she stresses the importance of simply getting out there and performing to grow as an artist.
Glenda also reflects on societal expectations around body image in the music industry. While acknowledging that top-tier pop stars may face pressure to conform to a certain aesthetic, she encourages artists to be authentic and prioritize their well-being over fitting into industry molds. She emphasizes that the key to success lies in knowing oneself and staying true to personal values.
When asked about being Grammy-nominated, Glenda recounts the moment she discovered the nomination. Initially, she didn't expect it and was stunned when she saw her name listed in the Contemporary Blues category. She describes a mix of emotions, from disbelief to excitement and gratitude. Glenda credits her success to perseverance, hard work, and collaboration with talented peers.
Toward the end of the interview, Glenda discusses her current projects, including her involvement with charitable initiatives like One Tree Planted, where a portion of her merchandise sales goes toward planting trees. She also talks about her books, Courage: Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life, Own the Goddess Within, and Soul on Fire, which focus on self-empowerment and personal growth. Additionally, she is working on an immersive multimedia performance experience and a potential retreat in the U.K.
In closing, Glenda emphasizes that her success is not just a personal achievement but something she feels is shared by everyone who has supported her. She views her role as an artist not only to create but also to uplift and inspire others. Her humility and gratitude underscore her approach to life and her commitment to using her platform for positive change.
Links from the Show
Also Mentioned in This Episode:
- Become a Visualization Coach
- Day in the Life of an Estate Attorney, Children's Book Author
- Senior Manager
Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Other Podcast Platforms
Consider sharing this video and podcast. By helping "Time We Discuss", together, we are helping others.